On May 17th The former Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt was awarded the 2019 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award and a NPAN certificate as a 21st century Pan-African “Change agent”.
Former prime ministers, politicians, family members and friends came to support at Prayer and Praise Assembly for this international historic humanitarian award ceremony. The New Pan-African Movement (NPAN) awarded Mrs Pratt for her long-standing commitment to community building. The award is given to notable individuals in recognition of their accomplishments as well as their exceptional service to a country. Mrs Pratt said the ceremony would not be possible without the help of her friend, Alizé Utteryn, CEO and founder of AlizéLaVie Media, who nominated Mrs Pratt for the award.
“I’m humbled by it… you wonder sometimes if your own people remember and so when international and other countries can recognize you it’s really a humbling experience. I’m so thankful and I’m grateful to the people who nominated me as well. I thought that I was stronger than I was, and I tried to hold out as much as possible but how can I say thanks for the things God has done for me? The path in which he has taken me is sometimes rough, sometimes smooth. Sometimes I was at a point where I wanted to give up. You know what made this so special for me; it’s done among my people…among my people, the heart of the inner city, the first ever, so this is special because it has never happened before. So, the people are a part of this award; I still live among the people and I am proud of where I am, and I am proud of my people and I know we are just as good as anybody else. Today, because it’s a special day for me, it’s a special day for my people and I thank God my children are able to witness this moment, some of my dear friends and all of you who are here to support me” Mother Pratt Stated.
Without a doubt Mother Pratt is a leader, trailblazer and a role model for her community, her country and ultimately for the world. Over the past 50 years, she has made significant contributions to the growth and development of her community. She has dedicated all her life with faith and social responsibility to her country and has been the voice of the poor people. Coming from the ghetto, she has risen to the highest political rank by becoming the first woman deputy / acting Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the first woman Minister of National Security in the Commonwealth. She knew it was a thankless job and did not endure the hardships in pursuit of personal glory. Her tireless work was for the emancipation of her people. Today she represents the hopes and dreams of the poorest and most vulnerable in her country and around the world. Most importantly, She is a resilient black woman, an Afro descent feminist with a loud voice who has fought for her country and persevered against injustice. She is not only inspiring Women around the world but also Men to never give up in our fight for peace, justice, and equality. Definitely she is an example for the next generation of young black women leaders to follow! With her Mother Pratt Foundation she keeps giving back to her community.
This Award was a perfect way of acknowledging her outstanding contribution and also to be recognized by her peers from Africa, the Diaspora demonstrating unity in diversity and adversity. A special honor to celebrate all of her achievements up to now as proud daughter of Africa.
